Billions of people around the world use Facebook and Instagram at least once a month, and these services have been available to users for free since launch.
But now, for the first time, Meta is making Facebook and Instagram use in Europe subject to a monthly fee for users who don’t want to see ads on their accounts.
It should be noted that Meta’s main source of revenue is the advertisements displayed in its apps.
But new EU rules prevent tech companies from showing ads without users’ consent, which is why Meta has introduced a subscription plan to comply with those rules.
According to the statement released by the company, users who do not want to see ads on their Facebook or Instagram accounts will now have to pay 10 euros per month on the web version and 13 euros per month on Android and iOS devices.
Users who want to use Facebook or Instagram for free will be directed to join the free ad-supported program.
It should be noted that the European Union had warned Meta that it would face action if ads were displayed in its apps without the user’s consent.
In July, Germany ruled against Metta and the Court of Justice of the European Union also ordered the German Competition Commission to investigate Metta.
Similarly, Ireland’s Data Privacy Commission fined Meta 390 million euros for displaying advertisements.
Meta has now introduced an ad-free subscription program in Europe to avoid legal issues.